Auto rickshaw drivers in Mangaluru protest against introduction of electric rickshaws
Mangaluru: On Thursday, the Association of Dakshina Kannada District Auto Rickshaw Drivers and Owners Unions, backed by various like-minded unions, staged a large-scale protest in Mangaluru, demanding the revocation of the permission granted to operate electric auto rickshaws in the district. The protestors, who are primarily concerned about the impact on their livelihoods, urged the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mullai Muhilan to reconsider the decision.
The protest began with a procession, labeled as ‘DC Office Chalo,’ which commenced at Ambedkar Circle (Jyothi Circle) in Balmatta and culminated at Clock Tower Circle in Hampankatta. The protestors insisted that the DC personally accept their memorandum outlining their grievances. To maintain order, security was heightened along the procession route, with barricades and police personnel strategically positioned to prevent any untoward incidents.
Sunil Kumar Bajal, a leader from the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), addressed the gathered crowd, accusing DC Muhilan of making a biased decision in favor of electric auto rickshaws. Bajal highlighted that Mangaluru, the district headquarters, has around 9,000 auto rickshaw drivers who depend on their vehicles for their livelihood. Introducing electric auto rickshaws, he argued, could threaten their source of income.
Bajal further questioned the rationale behind the decision, pointing out that neighboring districts have not received similar orders to introduce electric rickshaws. He suggested that the decision might be a result of a deal between the district administration and electricity supply companies. He also raised concerns about potential clashes between auto rickshaw drivers and law enforcement due to the increased number of vehicles on the roads. According to Bajal, Mangaluru city has 115 designated rickshaw parks, but space limitations often lead to disputes, with drivers facing legal action if they exceed the permitted parking limits.
The protest, described as a warning to the district authorities, included demands for the immediate withdrawal of the permission granted for electric rickshaws. The association also called for a comprehensive survey to assess the challenges faced by auto rickshaw drivers in the district and urged the authorities to find appropriate solutions.
Key figures in the protest included Ashok Shetty Bolar, the President of the Association, along with other leaders such as Aboobaker Surathkal, Mushtaq Ali, Stanley Noronha, Arun Kumar, and Appu Swamy, who participated in the demonstration.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Adityanath meets Singapore Deputy PM; assures investors of biz-focussed policies in UP
Singapore/Lucknow (PTI): Uttar Pradesh is ready with land bank, business-focused policies and safety and security, Chief Minister Adityanath told investors in Singapore on Tuesday on a day he met the country's top leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong.
On the second day of his official visit to Singapore, Adityanath met the country's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, official sources said here.
Held in the presence of a high-level delegation, the discussions focused on leveraging Singapore's expertise in urban planning, internal security architecture and digital governance to help Uttar Pradesh achieve the target of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.
During talks with Gan Kim Yong, the chief minister emphasised on UP's pro-business environment and highlighted the state's vast land bank and improved connectivity expected from after the Noida International Airport becomes operational.
The meeting also explored the possibility of Singaporean companies establishing industrial townships in the Delhi-NCR, with particular focus on semiconductor manufacturing and green hydrogen modules.
During his interaction with K Shanmugam, Adityanath discussed modernisation of the state's law and order framework, with emphasis on Singapore's technology-integrated policing model and disaster management protocols.
Speaking to investors, Adityanath listed infrastructure, logistics, MROs among other projects in the pipeline in the state, and said he held more than 100 meetings with the business community during his visit to Singapore.
The UP CM also noted that Singapore investors were committed to a large number of projects in India and UP, including the Ganga Expressway.
Business leaders Adityanath met included CEO and chairpersons of Temasek, Government Investment Corp (GIC), Singapore Airport Terminal Services, and Blackstone.
